Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars
Course Description
From creating the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear reaction to discovering the mathematical theory of black holes, the University of Chicago has long been a pioneer in groundbreaking STEM research. Our students and professors are fearless and creative problem solvers, who engage in interdisciplinary thinking, and who value diverse perspectives. Diversity is a fundamental driver of innovation and progress in STEM fields. By uniting diverse students and faculty for more than a century, UChicago has fostered one of the most unique—and decorated—intellectual communities in the world. The Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Program offers the opportunity for outstanding students of all backgrounds who value diversity of thought and experience with an interest in STEM-related areas to be exposed to UChicago’s distinctive approach and abundant research and academic opportunities in STEM fields.
Students selected for the Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Program will gain invaluable skills by participating in a hybrid program that combines a virtual mathematics course hosted by schoolhouse.world, followed by spending one week on the UChicago campus. After successfully completing an online, virtual preparatory mathematics course, students will reside on campus for one week and explore the many resources and opportunities available to them at UChicago firsthand through a week of model classes and facility tours. During their week on campus, students will have the opportunity to hear from world-renowned UChicago faculty and alumni in molecular engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other fields, and will experience UChicago’s cutting-edge research facilities firsthand through day trips to locations such as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
The program will be hosted on-campus, and program participants must reside in campus housing for the residential portion of the program.
Program Contact: All questions should be directed to Jawann Pollard at pollardj@uchicago.edu.
Course Criteria
Eligibility: Current 11th grade students, who are at least 15 years old, and enrolled in a U.S. high school, are invited to apply.
Academic Interest
College Preview, Physical Sciences (e.g., astronomy, physics)
Application Materials
A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details. Applicants to 1 Week Enrichment may have a counselor or teacher submit a nomination in addition to the required letter of recommendation.
Additional Materials:Applicants will be asked to respond to the following essay questions in the application:
Why did you choose the particular program/courses for which you have applied? How are they related to your current interests and future plans? Please be as specific as possible, and make sure your response covers each of the courses you elected. (Limit: 500 words)
"Since its founding, the University has been committed to the idea that a culture of rigorous inquiry requires an environment where diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas inform and stimulate intellectual exchange, challenge, and engagement.” -UChicago Office of the Provost. How would you contribute to this culture of inquiry in this program? What do you hope to gain or learn by engaging with peers from all over the U.S. or from different parts of the world? (Limit: 300 words)
Review the Application Instructions for more detailed information.
Cost
$2,500
Significant financial support is available for these programs, and any student can apply for aid. In addition, students applying only to 1 Week Enrichment programs, and whose household income is $120,000 or below, are eligible for the following financial support, as available:
- Household income at or below $120,000 USD: Program fee is waived (e.g., no cost to the student, exclusive of travel expenses).
- Household income at or below $65,000 USD: Program fee is waived + domestic roundtrip travel expenses covered (e.g., no cost to the student, inclusive of travel expenses for domestic students).